Meo had told me where to find the place, to look for a fresco of the Virgin in a window by the Via Sant’Alò. He’d shot me a lopsided smile. ‘You’ll see her eyes are closed, amico. The lady no longer watches over us.’
At the sight of that battered little door under the steps, my heart lurched. Too small for an adult to pass through without bending double, it would have been perfect for my Ciccio. I could imagine his excitement – a door his height when all the world was built for grown ups.
I saw his smile, sparkling ebony eyes, felt a small hand slipping into mine. Then the hospital, the smell of cleanser masking body fluids, the hiss of the ventilator.
I wanted to run, find a bar, anywhere, just away …
There was a grind of rusted metal and the door swung open. ‘Lost something?’ said a voice.
Trembling, I stepped inside.
Written for What Pegman Saw, a writing prompt that uses Google Streetview. See here to join in and to read and comment on the other stories.
Word Shamble 
This story shimmers with mystery and emotion. So beautifully written!
I notice this isn’t in the Linkup. Did you want me to add it?
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Thanks, Karen. Just added the link … 6 days late! I was caught up in the working-crazy-hours-in-a-florist-shop-Valentine’s-Day-frenzy. Just emerging from the fog now! Thanks for reading and your kind comment 🙂
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I want more! Crossing my fingers that this one might turn into another serial… 😂
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Ah, thank you so much! I just loved that funny, narrow street and the tine door and the Virgin Maru watching it all. Setting so often inspires story with me. Thank you so much for reading and for your lovely comment
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That quick sketch of the scene in the hospital is so vivid and so sad. To lose a child must be so unspeakably devastating, no wonder the narrator turns to drink, and is desperate enough to go through weird small doors for any hope. “Lost something?” Indeed!
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Thank you Joy. Yes, I can’t imagine what that’s like and I’m grateful every day for what I have and for what I haven’t lost. Thank you for reading and sorry for the late reply – just dusting off the rose petals after flower shop Valentine’s Day purgatory!
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Ah yes, I imagine the Valentine’s experience is quite different for those in the flower business — welcome back!
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Yes, the other half is always saying how Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day are always spoiled because they’re the big three times for florists over here and I spend each of those holidays working long hours up until the last moment, then the time I do get off I’m usually shattered!
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Ouch! I can see how all that extra work is not conducive to actually celebrating the holiday itself. Maybe you could designate a completely different date as “Valentine’s Day, Observed” — far enough away from all the real holidays that you can relax and enjoy! Bonus points: you wouldn’t be competing with every other couple in town for the romantic dinners or getaways. ❤
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Ha! Very true. We’ve just started up ‘date nights’ after years of child-focussed entertainment. Nice to do something as a couple – even after 28 years! 🙂
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I bet there were tears in your eyes when you reread this one…
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It’s the darkest of places for a parent, isn’t it? Imagining their child ill, unable to stop their pain. I can’t bear to think of it really. Thanks for reading Jane
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My pleasure, Lynn x
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That’s such a poignant story, with its aching loss, and that tiny glimmer of hope at the end. I hope your narrator hears, and can accept, words of comfort.
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Let’s hope so. Thank you Penny
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